For the first half of the race I worked Davy Jones locker, which is a 15 foot high platform into a 15 foot deep (probably about 25′ X 50′) pit filled with water. Participants jump on in and make their way out. According to the Savage Race website the completion rate is about 65%

When I was the official rescue diver I spent my time completely geared up and ready to jump in the water if needed.

Once you’ve scaled the front side of Colossus, there’s only one way down. The Colossus Slide is a near vertical drop at the top of the 24 foot tall structure. Feel gravity take over as you hit lightning speed while being flung into the water below. No training needed for this one. Just enjoy the adrenaline rush! Completion Rate: 88%

It was a really good time.

After the race finished, as part of the process to clear each obstacle, I got to do a full-on search of the Colossus Slide water area. The guy running the water operations was also an LGS (basically the people who have defined the de-facto standard in Public Safety Diving) instructor, and as such he knew how to run a search pattern as a tender. We ran a modified “pier walk” search pattern and I found several bandanas, assorted hats, at least a dozen pairs of sunglasses, a go-pro…..and an iPhone! The guy who lost the iPhone was actually there when I found it and he was pretty happy!

I sure don’t do this for the money. I do it because I really just love any excuse to get into the water.

If you’re a certified Rescue Diver (or higher) and interested in spending a day or two doing some pretty unique work, contact Event Medics and see if they have any events in your area.